Why is My Cat Sneezing Excessively?

Sneezing is a common ailment in cats, and it is normal for cats to sneeze from time to time. However, excessive sneezing fits can sometimes be a sign that something is wrong with your cat, especially when these sneezing fits are commonplace.

There are many different things that can cause excessive sneezing in cats. Some of the most common causes of this problem in cats include allergies, general irritation, upper respiratory infections, and dental disease. However, some other things can be behind a cat’s excessive sneezing as well.

In this article, we will explain everything that cat owners need to know about excessive sneezing in cats. This will include explaining what can cause excessive sneezing in cats as well as when you should take your cat to the vet for their sneezing. Alright, let’s dive right into it!

7 Causes for Excessive Sneezing in Cats

There are many fairly common causes for excessive sneezing in cats. In fact, we have counted seven of them! Some of these causes are more common than others; for instance, it is much more common for cats to be sneezing because of allergies versus a dental problem. Here are seven possible causes of sneezing in cats.

1) Your Cat Has Allergies

Most of the time, cats are sneezing a lot simply because they have allergies. Some other symptoms of allergies in cats in addition to sneezing include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Discharge coming from the eyes or nose
• Itchy and red skin
• Missing fur due to excessive scratching or grooming

Luckily, allergies are usually very treatable. Taking your cat to the vet for allergies can help you find the most effective treatment plan possible for your cat, which will help make your cat feel more comfortable.

2) Your Cat Has an Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper respiratory infections also commonly cause sneezing in cats. These can include both viral and bacterial upper respiratory infections. Cats that are sick usually exhibit more symptoms than just excessive sneezing. Some symptoms of upper respiratory infections in cats beside excessive sneezing include:

• Fever
• Discharge coming from the eyes and nose (may be clear, yellow, or green)
• Lethargy
• Red and swollen eyes
• Coughing
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Having difficulty breathing (severe)

The best thing that you can do for your sick cat is to take them to the vet. This is the only way to ensure that your cat gets a diagnosis and the best treatment for their illness possible.

3) Your Cat’s Nose is inflamed or Irritated

Simple nose irritation can cause cats to sneeze excessively as well. Many medical conditions can cause irritation and inflammation of the nose. However, this is most commonly caused by the inhalation of irritants like dust or pollen. Keeping your house extra clean can help your cat stop sneezing so often when this is the cause.

4) Your Cat Has Something Stuck in Their Nose

A foreign body in the nose can cause a cat to have some aggressive sneezing fits, and these can last for a while. Cats do this when they have something stuck in their nose because they are trying to get the object out.

Foreign bodies are very serious, and you should take your cat to the vet immediately if they have something stuck up their nose. You should never try to remove this object yourself, as there is a great risk that you will just end up pushing the object further up their nose.

5) Your Cat Has Dental Disease

It is also very common for cats to sneeze excessively because they have dental disease. This occurs because the mouth lies extremely close to a cat’s nasal cavity. As a result, their nasal cavity will become irritated when the gums and teeth roots become very infected, causing excessive sneezing. Some other signs of dental disease to look out for in cats include:

• Foul smelling breath
• Signs of pain when chewing and eating hard foods
• Pawing at the mouth
• Head shaking
• Excessive teeth chattering
• Having difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth

If you believe that your cat has dental disease, then it is a good idea to take them to the vet. They may be able to give your cat some supportive treatment to make them more comfortable.

6) Your Cat Has Tumors in the Nose

Sometimes cats sneeze excessively because they have tumors in their nose. They sneeze most likely because of the irritation that they cause. Luckily, this is a fairly rare cause of excessive sneezing in cats.

7) Your Cat Has a Fungal Infection

Fungal infections can also cause excessive sneezing in cats. Luckily, they are usually treatable.

When to See a Vet for Your Cat’s Excessive Sneezing

You should take your cat to the vet for excessive sneezing if:

• You suspect that your cat has an infection
• Your cat is sneezing blood (emergency)
• You suspect that your cat has dental disease
• Your cat has something stuck in their nose (emergency)
• Your cat is having difficulty breathing (emergency)
• Your cat is excessively sneezing multiple times a day

Conclusion

Although sneezing is common in cats, excessive sneezing can be a cause for concern. If you need to see a vet in the Clifton Park, NY region, Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Clifton Park is here for you and your pet. Give us a call today at (518) 383-6254 or visit us online to make an appointment!